Tips

Using Callbacks

  • When using a Callback, make sure that before deleting the scheduler and timer, to first unsubscribe the timer. The order of operation should be as follows:
scheduler->unScheduleTimer(timer); //unschedule the timer
delete timer; //delete the timer
delete scheduler; //delete the callback

Using the Collision Detection System

  • Make sure that the Broad Phase Boundary volume is set adequately. If your model serves as a floor, then set it as a Platform, else set it as a Sphere. If you do not do this, the engine will not have enough time to compute the proper Collision Normal. To set an entity as a platform, use the following method U4DEngine::U4DStaticModel::initAsPlatform.

Here is an example:

//Set the island as a platform
island->initAsPlatform(true);
  • When using disproportionate size objects, keep in mind the following
    1. The maximum width and length of the entity serving as a terrain is 10x10 units
    2. The minimum depth of the terrain object should be twice as deep as the colliding entity.
  • The colliding objects should be low-poly as much as possible. Too many vertices will slow down the engine while it tries to compute the proper Collision Maniforlds.

  • The collision filters work as follows:

      -Collision Categories means: I am of type...
  -Collision Masks means: I collide with...

    The collision group index, follows the following rule:

    -if either fixture has a groupIndex of zero, use the category/mask rules as above
-if both groupIndex values are non-zero but different, use the category/mask rules as above
-if both groupIndex values are the same and positive, collide
-if both groupIndex values are the same and negative, don't collide
  • When using the Collision filters. The categories must be defined as bitflags, i.e. 0x0002, 0x0004, 0x0008, 0x0010 etc. The group index must be defined as signed integers.

Using textures

  • Use TinyPNG to compress your images. Using large images affects the engine.

Running the Digital Asset Exporter (DAE)

  • Make sure that the objects selected are in object mode. The script will not run if the models are in Pose mode.

Creating a new project

  • Make sure the Objective-C Automatic Reference Counting is set to No

Creating Skyboxes

  • All skyboxes images need to be inverted verticaly. The images representing top and bottom must be rotate 180 degress and then inverted vertically.

Removing an entity from a game

Removing an entity from the scenegraph should be done as follows

U4DEngine::U4DEntity *parent=getParent(); //Get the entities parent
parent->removeChild(this); //remove the entity